Email pressoffice@ peacecorps.gov WASHINGTON, D.C., March 7, 2001 - Acting Peace Corps Director Charles R. Baquet III announced today with deep regret the death of Peace Corps volunteer Carlos Amador, 27, of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Amador died in his home in Guacotecti, El Salvador over the weekend. Although the cause of death is still undetermined, there was no indication of violence or foul play.

"This sudden and tragic death is a great loss to the Peace Corps and to the citizens of Guacotecti," Baquet said. "Carlos has spent the past 19 months as a crop extension volunteer in rural El Salvador. His outstanding leadership and energy has benefited the citizens of his community, and he will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and worked with him."

While in El Salvador, Amador worked with two organizations, Moises of World Vision and CENTA, a government organization, to provide the citizens of his community with agricultural technical assistance. One of his main projects was to organize six ecological clubs for the children of Guacotecti. Under Carlos' guidance, the clubs designed and planted a 10,000-tree forest nursery of species native to El Salvador. The trees were later planted in a mining area to protect the local watershed.

Carlos was an integral part of his community, conducting environmental education activities through his ecological clubs. Before entering the Peace Corps, he had this to say: "Nature comforts me, which is why I perform best when working with anything created by God. I want people to look at me the same way I look at others: capable of anything...with respect and brotherly love. I wish to become one with my community and colleagues. I am thrilled and focused on serving the many people of El Salvador."

Before joining the Peace Corps, Amador worked in farm and livestock management. He was a certified lifeguard who participated in ecological education and soil conservation projects during his 12-year membership in the Boy Scouts of America. He is a 1998 graduate of the University of Puerto Rico, having earned a bachelor's degree in agronomy and animal science. He is survived by his mother and father, Irma and Carlos Amador Sr., and his sister, Alexandra Amador, all of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Volunteers in El Salvador held a memorial service for Carlos on March 7, with his father in attendance. Funeral services will be held at Buxeda Funeral Home in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The date and time of the service will be determined soon.

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Story Source: Peace Corps Press Release

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Safety and Security of Volunteers; Investigative Journalism; Obituaries; COS - El Salvador

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